Hi--This chapter is a little longer, so I'm just going to jump right into it. Thanks again for all of your feedback! There's more mush in this chapter, but some steam too...:-) Hope you ENJOY!

Tommy dragged her down a narrow hallway, searching for an empty room, somewhere where they could be alone for a few minutes. Jude kept up with his pace, holding onto him with one hand and her trophy with the other.

He eventually found a door that was unlocked. He quickly entered the dark vacant room and pulled on her hand, causing her to jump into the room with him, as he closed the door behind her. He swiftly turned the lock as she placed the trophy on a nearby table. Lights still out, he didn't hesitate a moment before grasping her waist and pulling her into him, pushing his lips forcefully onto hers. She eagerly threw her arms around his neck, kissing him impatiently. He lifted her up so her lips were at his level and pressed her against the wall to keep her steady. He took hold of her lips and mouth, sweeping his tongue against hers and feeling the soft silk of her dress under his fingertips. She held onto him tightly, meeting his intensity and hungrily pressing her lips against his. She remained propped up a few inches from the ground as her shoes slipped to the edge of her toes. Their emotions and exhilaration flowed freely as they kissed, passionately and sincerely.

After a good five minutes of intense lip locking, their actions slowed and they both struggled for breath. He loosened his hold on her, allowing her to slide down to the ground and back into her shoes. She kept her hands clasped behind his neck as their lips parted, resting her head against his and breathing deeply. He too breathed heavily, eyes closed and arms draped around her.

They gradually regained consciousness, as he pulled back to look into her eyes.

"Jude, when you won," he started, remembering the moment, "I thought about how much you deserved to be up there. You've worked so hard for this. That award was validation for all of your talent, work and determination."

She looked up at him through tears in her eyes. She shakily stated, "I meant everything I said in my speech. There's no way I'd be close to where I am without you."

He grinned affectionately at her, brushing her cheek. "Everything you said up there meant a lot to me. Thank you."

He leaned over to capture her lips. He tenderly kissed her, holding her close, then quietly said, "So this is the official part of my congratulations."

"Part? As in, there's more?" she asked eagerly.

"Maybe," he said mischievously. "I might have something up my sleeve, but you'll have to wait and see."

Just as she was about to question him, there was a loud knock on the door and fumbling of the doorknob. Jude and Tommy looked at each other in a panic and straightened their clothing before Tommy casually opened the door and stared into the eyes of a 6'6'' security guard.

"Can I help you?" Tommy asked.

"No, but you can get out of this room. It's off limits. Didn't you see the sign?" the man asked crossly, pointing to a small note on the door reading "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY."

"Oh, well, I'm actually authorized personnel," Tommy lied, clearing his throat nervously.

"Where's your badge?" the security guard questioned with his arms crossed. Tommy quickly felt around in his pockets and then shrugged at the security guard.

"Sorry, I think I left it at my seat."

"Right," the security guard replied sarcastically. Jude, who was standing behind Tommy, grabbed her trophy and held it tightly. The security guard glanced beyond Tommy to the scared face behind him and said in a much softer tone, "Hey, aren't you Jude Harrison?"

Jude looked at Tommy hesitantly, and then stepped forward, saying, "Yes."

"Wow, my daughter is a huge fan. Would you mind signing something for me?" the man asked.

"No problem," she agreed, taking his pen and signing a napkin he had in his pocket.

"Congratulations on your award," he said as she handed it back to him. "Listen, you two aren't supposed to be in here and I should be reporting you."

"What if we offered you tickets to her next show?" Tommy asked, hoping a bribe would sway him.

The security guard looked them both over, debating their offer. "Well…I don't know…"

"Front row?" Tommy offered, more desperate.

"Well…alright. But only because my daughter would be upset if I told her I met you but came home empty handed."

"Thank you," Tommy said with relief, shaking the man's hand vigorously.

After getting the security guard's contact information for the tickets, they took off down the lobby, holding hands, as EJ ran up to them in a frenzy.

"Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"Sorry, we just needed a breather," Jude replied.

"And far away from any photographers," Tommy added.

EJ nodded skeptically, scrutinizing both of their appearances and noting their hands intertwined. Without questioning them, she abruptly pulled on Jude's arm, out of his grip, and dragged her back into the auditorium, with Tommy following. Jude was met with hugs and congratulations by everyone around her, all vying to get a look at the coveted award in her hand. The ceremony wrapped up with the last awards and a final performance. Jude felt like she was on cloud nine, glowing throughout the remainder of the ceremony.

As it concluded, she followed EJ into the lobby, ready for the after-party. The party was held outside the auditorium in a spacious covered tent. She knew that Josh was meeting her there, but she didn't think about him as she walked alongside Tommy. The group followed the carpet towards the lights out back, hearing loud music and seeing a swirl of activity.

Approaching the tent, she saw Josh waiting at the entrance holding a bouquet of white roses. She gasped at the sight as EJ pulled her away from the group and closer to Josh. He smiled and gave her the bouquet.

"I knew you wouldn't come back empty-handed," Josh said, looking at her award.

"Thank you!" she said enthusiastically, leaning in and giving him a hug.

"Congratulations," he said warmly.

She smiled widely at him, as EJ spoke from beside them.

"Okay, guys, I want to make sure you're both seen in the papers tomorrow. So go dance, have fun, and make sure you're in the direct line of vision of the paparazzi."

They both nodded, agreeing to her plan, as Josh held out his arm for Jude to take.

"Ready?"

She smiled and grabbed his arm. "Let's do it."

Tommy stood there grinding his teeth and watchfully followed them into the tent with the rest of the group.

Photographers immediately pounced on the happy couple as they entered, causing quite a stir. Reporters asked if they were an item, how long they had been dating, if he had given her the flowers. They didn't answer any of the questions, just smiled as the camera flashes went off.

"They look happy, wouldn't you say?" Sadie said quietly to Tommy, who had his arms crossed watching them pose for photos.

He turned to look at her and scoffed, "They barely know each other."

"I know," she replied, looking back at them, "but don't you think they look great together? I mean, he seems really into her."

Tommy just shrugged, trying to hide his aggravation.

"Please don't tell me you're doing this whole denial routine too," she said bluntly. "Tommy, you seem to forget that I was the one who helped you win her over during the blizzard."

He sighed and watched Jude walk towards the dance floor, chatting contently with Josh.

"Okay, so I won't be the first one to send them a wedding gift," Tommy admitted.

"She's crazy about you, you know that," she said comfortingly.

"I know," he agreed hesitantly. "I just don't like watching this."

"So don't," she said. "Let's go check out some of those catering trays I saw go by."

He grinned. "Now that you mention it, pigs in a blanket would make me feel better."

"Funny how they have that effect," she laughed, walking with him towards the appetizers on the other side of the room.